Middle School (5-8)

The Middle School program is designed to meet the developmental needs of preteens and young adults while preparing them for the academic rigor of the high schools they will attend. The day has a traditional format, but the instruction is interdisciplinary. The Middle School teachers work as a team to create a program that has interesting content, to form connections to various disciplines, and to honor traditional learning using 21st century tools.

Goal 3 of the Holy Child Network of Schools call for an intellectually challenging and creative program of study that develops a love of learning and academic excellence. Traditional subjects taught in the Middle School are: English language arts, religion, science, social studies, math, French or Spanish, computer, and study skills. These are the eight core subjects that are factored into the average for academic honors. Other subjects are: art, music, theater, health, Latin, and physical education.

Criterion C of Goal 6 of the Holy Child Network of Schools mandates that “the education include and integrate the humanities and fine arts.” To that end, art, music, and theater are included as full-year courses of study in each grade of the Middle School.

There are approximately 75 students in the Middle School. All of their academic subjects and art are taught in O’Sullivan Hall. There are 14 teachers for this division, most of whom teach these students in all four years of the Middle School.

Goal 5 of the Network of the Holy Child Schools calls for the creation of a learning environment that is based on trust and reverence for the dignity and uniqueness of each person. Hence, the atmosphere on the second floor of O’Sullivan Hall is friendly and respectful. Students and teachers develop caring relationships. The boys and girls are comfortable asking teachers for help in resolving issues. A part-time school psychologist sustains our efforts to meet the needs of every child. Teachers and parents develop strong partnerships in order to support the growth of these young people from childhood to young adulthood.

In the Middle School, we promote Goal 6, furthering the human development of all who participate in the life of the school, through experiences such as Spirit Night, Student Council, the senior citizen luncheon, and kindergarten lunch buddies. We work for Christian justice, peace, and compassion by participating in Hoops for Heart, the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days, and service projects to benefit the wider community.

Overnight trips to the Frost Valley environmental education center for fifth and sixth grade students and to Washington, D.C., Boston and Philadelphia for seventh and eighth grades enrich the academic program and promote class spirit and independence.